SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5944

BYSenate Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Senators Warnke, Sellar and Newhouse)

Revising provisions on continuing education for certified public accountants.

Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 4, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5944 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Warnke, Chairman; Smitherman, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Vognild, West, Williams.

Senate Staff:Mark McDermott (786-7429)

                  March 23, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 20, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Persons holding a certificate of "certified public accountant" issued by the State Board of Accountancy are required to complete 80 hours of continuing professional education every two years to maintain their certificates.

SUMMARY:

The continuing education requirement for certified public accountants is eliminated.  Persons holding a valid certified public accountant certificate may use the title of "certified public Accountant" or "CPA" if their activities do not require a CPA license.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Geoff Gibbs, Washington Society of CPAs; Carey Rader, Washington State Board of Accountancy; Mike Moran, Pacific Northwest Bell